Rassie: Sacha in the mix for Bok 10
07/22/2024 05:03 AM
Rassie Erasmus has admitted he has a tough call to make at flyhalf after Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s breakthrough, while addressing concerns around Manie Libbok’s goalkicking struggles.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu enjoyed an impressive second-half cameo in his first run at flyhalf for the Springboks in the 10-try victory over Portugal in Bloemfontein.
The 22-year-old played a key role in two tries while he also continued his perfect record off the kicking tee in all four of his Test appearances, knocking over all five of his conversion attempts at the Toyota Stadium.
SACHA FEINBERG-MNGOMEZULU v Portugal.#RSAvPOR#Springbokspic.twitter.com/mY3UsRob9d
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 21, 2024
This has been contrasted with the performance of DHL Stormers teammate Manie Libbok, who was among a host of World Cup winners who played their first Test of the year.
While Libbok was excellent in open play, pulling the strings against Portugal’s rush defence, his rollercoaster form when kicking at goal continued, as he missed three of his five conversion attempts.
"I'm not a kicking coach," Erasmus answered when asked about Libbok's struggles. "Tony [Brown] is trying to help him.
"Go chat to Naas Botha and he will tell you that he had a spell when his game dipped.
"So Manie is going through a dip but his general play is still good so it is a tough one to handle.
"Sacha comes on and he slots everything and he passes well and creates tries; so there is some proper pressure on all the tens, Manie, Handre [Pollard], Gaza [Damian Willemse] and Sacha," Erasmus added.
"There are some new guys in the team that can do the things but no I can't fix his goal-kicking – he will have to."
Erasmus will name his squad for the opening leg of the Rugby Championship in Australia on Tuesday.
Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images
The post Rassie: Sacha in the mix for Bok 10 appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
